Dark Rise

Dark Rise

  • Downloads:1706
  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2021-09-16 09:51:10
  • Update Date:2025-09-14
  • Status:finish
  • Author:C.S. Pacat
  • ISBN:0062946145
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

The ancient world of magic is no more。 Its heroes are dead, its halls are ruins, and its great battles between Light and Dark are forgotten。 Only the Stewards remember, and they keep their centuries-long vigil, sworn to protect humanity if the Dark King ever returns。

Sixteen-year-old dock boy Will is on the run, pursued by the men who killed his mother。 When an old servant tells him of his destiny to fight beside the Stewards, Will is ushered into a world of magic, where he must train to play a vital role in the oncoming battle against the Dark。

As London is threatened by the Dark King’s return, the reborn heroes and villains of a long-forgotten war begin to draw battle lines。 But as the young descendants of Light and Dark step into their destined roles, old allegiances, old enmities, and old flames are awakened。 Will must stand with the last heroes of the Light to prevent the dark fate that destroyed their world from returning to destroy his own。

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Reviews

Jessica Paul

This YA fantasy novel is Lord of the Rings meets Arthurian legend。 For essentially a children's book it poses big philosophical questions。 Is Evil nature or nature? Is there such a thing as fate? Do the ends always justify the means? And if not, who decides when not。 I wouldn't describe it as a suspenseful page turner but I've found myself thinking back on it multiple times。 I wish books like this were available when I was a kid。 A very promising debut, I'll be keeping my eye out the the sequel。 This YA fantasy novel is Lord of the Rings meets Arthurian legend。 For essentially a children's book it poses big philosophical questions。 Is Evil nature or nature? Is there such a thing as fate? Do the ends always justify the means? And if not, who decides when not。 I wouldn't describe it as a suspenseful page turner but I've found myself thinking back on it multiple times。 I wish books like this were available when I was a kid。 A very promising debut, I'll be keeping my eye out the the sequel。 Releases 28th September 2021 。。。more

Raji

Review to come

h o l l i s

Hmm。 Hmm。 Hmmmm。Honestly, I don't know about this one。 Let's get this out of the way first : I did not hate my time with this one。 But did it grip me, surprise me, pull me in? I have to say。。 no。In some ways this book is pretty predictable。 And by some I mean。。 almost all of it? Add to that fact that the pitch of this set up an expectation of a big dark queer enemies romance and we get none of it in DARK RISE。 The story ends in a way that implies it could still happen in book two but I obviously Hmm。 Hmm。 Hmmmm。Honestly, I don't know about this one。 Let's get this out of the way first : I did not hate my time with this one。 But did it grip me, surprise me, pull me in? I have to say。。 no。In some ways this book is pretty predictable。 And by some I mean。。 almost all of it? Add to that fact that the pitch of this set up an expectation of a big dark queer enemies romance and we get none of it in DARK RISE。 The story ends in a way that implies it could still happen in book two but I obviously had prepared myself for something that I did not see pan out。 Ultimately, now that certain events have played out, I think this is very much a first book in a trilogy/series (whatever it's going to be) issue。 It's very possible, now that we have our footing and our reveals, and we stand on the precipice of the romance I wanted, that book two will give me something to sink my teeth into。 I sure hope, at least。But in the meantime。。 lower your expectations a smidge。 And it's possible you might enjoy this more than I did。 2。5 stars** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review。 **Full review to come。 。。。more

Amanda Greco

Thank you, as always, to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!While this book had an。。。interesting ending that some readers might have seen coming, it wasn't the book I expected it to see。 I've heard nothing but great things about C。S。 Pacat, knowing that she is even one of SJM's favorite authors as well。 Dark Rise starts off with many of my favorite things: boats, murder, and a darkness that seems to have permeated into everything and anything。 Many mysteries are thrown at us, including the Thank you, as always, to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!While this book had an。。。interesting ending that some readers might have seen coming, it wasn't the book I expected it to see。 I've heard nothing but great things about C。S。 Pacat, knowing that she is even one of SJM's favorite authors as well。 Dark Rise starts off with many of my favorite things: boats, murder, and a darkness that seems to have permeated into everything and anything。 Many mysteries are thrown at us, including the inclusion of two rival groups and the unknowing of which side is in the right。 We're also introduced to several characters: Will, running away from the people who killed his mother, and Violet, who knows she doesn't belong with her adopted family, but still can't help but love her brother anyways。 As their stories intertwine and we begin to see which side is the one to be on, the darkness rises to a climax resulting in a massive series of murders, the realization of several things I never saw coming, and a plot that seems to be at a decent resolution。However, if you notice the title on Goodreads, you'll see a small little (#1) next to it, meaning there's more in this series。 I'm truly wondering how。 While it ends on a plot twist of sorts, it isn't one that necessarily merits a sequel, or even the three it's currently planned to have。 A lot of other authors would have felt the need to end it after one, knowing the readers and fanbase could have interpreted the ending however they wished。There's a lot of places it could go, but it's not my favorite of the new releases and doesn't meet the high expectations set for it。 。。。more

H。 Taylor

Review to come

Chloe

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of 'Dark Rise' from A&U。 'Dark Rise' felt a lot like CS Pacat's Prince series, though this time rather than tell the whole story from a single point of view, it was told from many。 Some of the characters felt flimsy and not as fleshed out as they could have been - the second book, I think, will have the opportunity to fix this。 I also felt that it was a little repetitive。 There were comparisons and info dumps that were repeated unecessarily, and I'm hoping so I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of 'Dark Rise' from A&U。 'Dark Rise' felt a lot like CS Pacat's Prince series, though this time rather than tell the whole story from a single point of view, it was told from many。 Some of the characters felt flimsy and not as fleshed out as they could have been - the second book, I think, will have the opportunity to fix this。 I also felt that it was a little repetitive。 There were comparisons and info dumps that were repeated unecessarily, and I'm hoping some of these might be taken out for the final print。 The front of my ARC also advertises 'Dark Rise' for a 13+ audience but, as a bookseller, I personally would not give this book to a 13 year old。 I'd think it was for a 15+ audience, and the 15+ who've read SJ Maas。 There are references to characters 16 or 17 years old being kept as 'playthings' and keeping the beds warm for men who are twice their age。 Nothing graphic, but it's not subtle, either。 This book is *dark*。 Negativities aside, this was a book I could not put down, and though I knew a twist was coming -- though I thought I had guessed it -- I was wrong。 I was surprised, and pleasantly so。 Any book that keeps me hooked and *wanting* to keep reading deserves a healthy star rating。 Can't wait for the next one! 。。。more

Rhys

Oh my god, this book has easily taken a spot in my favourite historical fantasies。 There is just something that I love about historical fantasies, especially those set in London, that just pull me in。 And Dark Rise is no exception。 It grabbed my attention straight from the beginning, in chapter 1。 Sixteen-year-old dock boy Will is on the run, pursued by the murders of his mother。 When an old servant of his mothers tells him of his destiny to fight beside the Stewards, Will is ushered into a worl Oh my god, this book has easily taken a spot in my favourite historical fantasies。 There is just something that I love about historical fantasies, especially those set in London, that just pull me in。 And Dark Rise is no exception。 It grabbed my attention straight from the beginning, in chapter 1。 Sixteen-year-old dock boy Will is on the run, pursued by the murders of his mother。 When an old servant of his mothers tells him of his destiny to fight beside the Stewards, Will is ushered into a world of magic, where he must train to play a vital role in the upcoming battle against the Dark。 As London is threatened by the Dark King's return, the reborn heroes and villains of a long-forgotten war begin to draw battle lines。 But as the young descendants of Light and Dark step into their destined roles, old allegiances and old flames are awakened。 Will must stand with the last heroes of the Light to prevent the Dark from returning to destroy his world。 This is my first CS Pacat book, and I already bought The Captive Prince ebook as I was in the middle of this, because their writing style just captivated me。 I never felt lost, I never felt bored, there were SO many twists and turns that I just had to keep reading even when I should not have been。 These plot twists honestly feel like ones that even people who CAN guess plot twists won't guess because there is always one bit of vital information out of reach that makes you keep reading。 Also, Will is bisexual, which we love seeing representation (and not to mention that this is a HISTORICAL fantasy which makes it even better!)Dark Rise in a nutshell is basically gay magic wielders, historical fantasy, London, and dark themes, what else could you want? It is a perfect read for the season with Halloween next month。 If you are looking for well-developed characters, interesting dynamics, powerful friendships, and a book that will give you whiplash from all the twists and turns, Dark Rise is the perfect book for you。 。。。more

Emmy Neal

Lots of Infernal Devices vibes

MK Valentine

Fucking hell, all I can say is: that ending。 I’m going to have a conniption waiting for the next book。 I won the ARC a giveaway, and was thrilled because Pacat the author of my favorite series。All I will say is: the concept is cliche, but judging from what’s to come, that’s certainly not bad。 The setup, everything…you’ve seen it before。 At first I was kind of iffy on it BUT DO NOT BE DETERRED。 The twist and ending and the promise of what is to come would not be nearly as good or effective if thi Fucking hell, all I can say is: that ending。 I’m going to have a conniption waiting for the next book。 I won the ARC a giveaway, and was thrilled because Pacat the author of my favorite series。All I will say is: the concept is cliche, but judging from what’s to come, that’s certainly not bad。 The setup, everything…you’ve seen it before。 At first I was kind of iffy on it BUT DO NOT BE DETERRED。 The twist and ending and the promise of what is to come would not be nearly as good or effective if this book’s majority did not act as a setup。 The payoff at the end of this is INCREDIBLE。 You have no idea how excited I am for the rest of the series。 Once again Pacat proves what a masterful storyteller she is, and especially how good she is at writing sexual tension and assholish pretty blond boys。 James (said blond boy) was the highlight of the book for me and I can’t wait to see more of him in the series。On an ending note: God, that scene with James the unicorn horn…WOOF WOOF BARK BARK 👀 。。。more

Emily

"While there is a single star, there is still light。" Dark Rise begins like a pretty typical YA fantasy, albeit a well-written one with interesting characters and delicious worldbuilding。 You want tropes, you got tropes: Chosen One, good vs。 evil, powerful bloodlines with cyclical rebirths, secret magic martial academy, friendship forged in fire, etc。 The setting is Georgian London meets Camelot-esque medieval fantasy, and the story follows two teenagers who become caught up (due to the secre "While there is a single star, there is still light。" Dark Rise begins like a pretty typical YA fantasy, albeit a well-written one with interesting characters and delicious worldbuilding。 You want tropes, you got tropes: Chosen One, good vs。 evil, powerful bloodlines with cyclical rebirths, secret magic martial academy, friendship forged in fire, etc。 The setting is Georgian London meets Camelot-esque medieval fantasy, and the story follows two teenagers who become caught up (due to the secret circumstances of their births) in a long-running battle between Stewards of the Light and servants of the Dark。 The Stewards, an ancient and sacred order of knights, are on their last leg desperately trying to stop the Dark King from rising once again and plunging the world in despair and subservience。 Their lore tells of a descendant of the Lady, the one who defeated the Dark King eons before, who will come into power to stop his rising once again。 "None of that is written in any of the history books," said Will, shaken。"Not all that is written has passed," said Justice," and not all that has passed is written。" The story gets off to a slow start with a lot of heavy exposition, but I was never bored。 Because I'm familiar with Pacat as an author, I was not lulled by these typical trappings。 I was making note of every little hint of a clue from the very beginning, trusting that they'd pay off in some delightful twists and reveals down the line。 And BOY DID THEY。 I had a lot of little theories; some paid off and some didn't。 There were definitely plenty of things that came as a total surprise ((view spoiler)[I swear, I was most shook when Will revealed that he'd dumped Simon's cargo in the river on purpose。 That was in the first chapter! Already the unreliable narrator was strong! (hide spoiler)])。 I did guess the BIG reveal (iykyk), but only because I was actively looking for it-- it was foreshadowed extremely well, imo。 And the reveal itself was still written so well! AND THAT ENDING?!? The tension。 The dramatic irony。 The tragic inevitability。 Once again, Pacat shows a deft had at writing an unreliable narrator and at not pulling punches。 "Kindness is never a mistake," said the Elder Steward。 "Somewhere in the heart it is always remembered。" Pacat is definitely no stranger to dark topics (see: Captive Prince), and there were moments while reading Dark Rise that, despite its title, I was shocked by how dark things got。 (view spoiler)[The massacre of the Stewards was shocking。 And I felt like I'd been slapped the first time I read the word "catamite"--in a YA book! (hide spoiler)] She really went there! I'm also glad that I trust her to handle dark, taboo, sensitive themes with intelligence and grace, because this series is going to go to some。。。 touchy places。 But if anyone can pull it off, it's Pacat。 This first book is already subverting tropes and expectations, and I'm sure the rest of the series will carry on spectacularly。 "I think what people were is less important than what they are。 And what people are is less important than what they could be。" Let's talk characters! Other early readers seem enamored with James, but I'm actually quite taken with Will。 His sense of right and wrong is so strong, but may place him at odds with the fate he's been dealt。 He feels so deeply tragic and I'm extremely anxious to see how his character will develop over the next two books。 I also love Violet; her fortitude, loyalty, and uprightness make her a simple character, but not a bland one。 Her dependability and steadfastness are beautiful and important in a tale filled with twists and secrets。 (view spoiler)[I am so nervous about her reaction to Will's identity-- she's ended up the Lion of the Dark King after all。 (hide spoiler)] I'm not totally sure how I feel about Cyprian or James yet, but I'm prepared to love them both。 Finally, the side characters that I'm going to be keeping a close eye on in the sequel: Devon and Elizabeth。 I think their parts in this story will be much larger than it may first appear。 She said, "You have a destiny。""So do you," he said。 "It's what we make it。 You and me。" In the advanced digital copy I read, there was some repetitive writing and a few small mistakes。 But it all seemed like the kind of things that will be fixed in final edits。 Overall this was such an enjoyable read, and I'm so ready for the wild and captivating ride the rest of this series is sure to be。 Like the Captive Prince series, this first book feels like a great set-up for the rest of the series; the players are all on the board and game is about to really start。 This is a 4-stars-for-now rating; I can easily imagine myself raising this to 5 stars upon future re-reads。TW: death of a parent, child abuse, reference to past enslavement / mind control, reference to past rape and possible rape of a minor, animal death, violence and gore, mention of British colonization in IndiaAll quotes come from an advance copy and may not match the final release。 Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!✨I read this title for the Magical Readathon: Orillium!✨Novice Path: Tower of Rumination 。。。more

ELLIAS (elliasreads)

OH SHIT!!The book is the byproduct if Demon Slayer had a threesome with Lord of the Rings, and The Dark is Rising series。 I'm dead serious。 This was really good, in a slow moving and elegant kind of way。 I would shelve this as 'light fantasy', so newcomers are welcome and anyone looking for less high strung intricate fantasy。 This is exactly the type of book I can see blowing up on BookTok (TikTok)。 We got a super slow burn romance, enemies to lovers, villain origin stories, characters reborn OH SHIT!!The book is the byproduct if Demon Slayer had a threesome with Lord of the Rings, and The Dark is Rising series。 I'm dead serious。 This was really good, in a slow moving and elegant kind of way。 I would shelve this as 'light fantasy', so newcomers are welcome and anyone looking for less high strung intricate fantasy。 This is exactly the type of book I can see blowing up on BookTok (TikTok)。 We got a super slow burn romance, enemies to lovers, villain origin stories, characters reborn and reimagined, and basic YA tropes (chosen ones, best friend, warrior, love interest, etc。) all subverted and flipped on their heads。 Very very nice。 However, while the beginning started off extremely strong, the middle half of the book kind of dragged a bit and I was looking at a 3 star read。 And then the last 50 pages and the ending happened and so I'm left screaming and panicking and already NEED the next book。 FUCK。 I can already tell things are about to get really, really interesting。 'Oh did I mention the main character is bisexual? HERE FOR IT。 Anyways, 4 DARK STARS。Twitter | Bookstagram | Youtube | 。。。more

Hayden (bookish。hayden)

I went into this without really any expectations, I was just excited to read it, and my god it was amazing! I loved everything about this book, and I'm so happy to have read it! Thank you to Harper Collins Canada Frenzy for the advanced copy! My review is rather slim because I really think that going in blind to this was a great experience! CW: violence, murder, war, bloodThe ancient world of magic is no more。 Its heroes are dead, its halls are ruins, and its great battles between Light and Dark I went into this without really any expectations, I was just excited to read it, and my god it was amazing! I loved everything about this book, and I'm so happy to have read it! Thank you to Harper Collins Canada Frenzy for the advanced copy! My review is rather slim because I really think that going in blind to this was a great experience! CW: violence, murder, war, bloodThe ancient world of magic is no more。 Its heroes are dead, its halls are ruins, and its great battles between Light and Dark are forgotten。 Only the Stewards remember, and they keep their centuries-long vigil, sworn to protect humanity if the Dark King ever returns。Sixteen-year-old dock boy Will is on the run, pursued by the men who killed his mother。 When an old servant tells him of his destiny to fight beside the Stewards, Will is ushered into a world of magic, where he must train to play a vital role in the oncoming battle against the Dark。As London is threatened by the Dark King’s return, the reborn heroes and villains of a long-forgotten war begin to draw battle lines。 But as the young descendants of Light and Dark step into their destined roles, old allegiances, old enmities and old flames are awakened。 Will must stand with the last heroes of the Light to prevent the fate that destroyed their world from returning to destroy his own。I really enjoyed Will as a character, I liked the flashes of his past that we got, with how interesting his backstory is。 Violet also had a really interesting past, and I liked seeing her family dynamics and how strong of a character she was。 They worked very well together and I enjoyed seeing the relationship they built, though from a rocky start。 They were both so strong, and seeing them grow more powerful over the course of the story was great。 I also really enjoyed the Stewards, I think they were all interesting and I loved learning about their brotherhood。 I also LOVED James, and I'm so ready for more of him in book two! Though no sexualities are explicitly stated, there definitely are characters that are part of the 2SLGBTQQIAP+ community and we love to see it。 This book is incredibly high stakes from the start。 It took off with an absolute bang and never slowed down。 It has a lot of really intricate parts, and the world building is incredibly well done and important to pay attention to。 It's a super interesting world though, it really jumped off of the page because of how detailed it was。 This story is a lot about good vs evil, dark vs light, and it's so very great。 It was so well executed and great the entire time。 Very character driven, with lots of moving parts that come together in such an incredible crescendo。 The ending of this book took me for a spin, it was amazing。 Very big cliffhanger that has me CURRENTLY DYING BECAUSE OH MY GOD EXCUSE ME C。S。 PACAT! Such a twist, such a big twist。 I'm still very much thinking about it。 Overall I think the writing was very amazing。 It was compelling, and interesting the entire time。 It was wonderfully fast paced and well done。 The passage of time felt a little weird at times, but nothing that stopped me from enjoying it。 I really, really enjoyed this。 It hooked me early on and was interesting right up until the last word。 Add this to your tbr list if it's not already there! 。。。more

Tayler

I closed dark rise last night and stared at the wall in awe for about ten minutes。 CS Pacat strikes again with a beautifully compelling story outside of their usual genre。 Dark Rise follows Will, a sixteen year old boy on the run from the people who murdered his mother。 Soon Will finds that not everything is what it seems… and discovers that his mothers murder was for a reason he could have never anticipated。 I cannot express the joy I felt reading more of CS Pacats work after the captive prince I closed dark rise last night and stared at the wall in awe for about ten minutes。 CS Pacat strikes again with a beautifully compelling story outside of their usual genre。 Dark Rise follows Will, a sixteen year old boy on the run from the people who murdered his mother。 Soon Will finds that not everything is what it seems… and discovers that his mothers murder was for a reason he could have never anticipated。 I cannot express the joy I felt reading more of CS Pacats work after the captive prince trilogy。 The magic and wonder I felt reading their introduction to YA Fantasy is unmatched。 I sat down and demolished Dark Rise。 I truly felt like I was in Will’s shoes and making the same decisions。 My favourite thing about Pacats writing is how they manage to keep the reader in suspense。 There’s always the most vital information slightly out of reach so you end up finding out revelations after the main character has figured it out。 As someone who is the worst for predicting plots, I would have never thought Dark rise would head in the direction it did。Ultimately, gay wizards and historical fantasy… what more do you need ? That’s all I need truthfully。If you want rich lore, well developed characters and interesting dynamics, Dark Rise is the book for you。 。。。more

Heather

The title and worldbuilding started off feeling like it was a riff on The Dark Is Rising series, but it becomes its own story。 The three main characters struggle with how to be good people, or at least do good in this world。 Of course, it's complicated by family expectations, blood, destiny, and the choices we make along the way;I looke forward to reading the next book。 The title and worldbuilding started off feeling like it was a riff on The Dark Is Rising series, but it becomes its own story。 The three main characters struggle with how to be good people, or at least do good in this world。 Of course, it's complicated by family expectations, blood, destiny, and the choices we make along the way;I looke forward to reading the next book。 。。。more

Harper

Dark, emotional, and 100% worth it。 I was not expecting to like this as much as I did。 I wanted to have high hopes, but I also didn't want to over-hype it for myself。 But C。S。 Pacat is a truly gifted writer of both character and narrative, and they managed to exceed my expectations completely。 They are one of the only authors who can still manage to surprise me。 This was a top ten book of the year for me, and I'm looking forward to selling it in stores。 Dark, emotional, and 100% worth it。 I was not expecting to like this as much as I did。 I wanted to have high hopes, but I also didn't want to over-hype it for myself。 But C。S。 Pacat is a truly gifted writer of both character and narrative, and they managed to exceed my expectations completely。 They are one of the only authors who can still manage to surprise me。 This was a top ten book of the year for me, and I'm looking forward to selling it in stores。 。。。more

The Candid Cover (Olivia & Lori)

DNF @ 30% This book's interesting world and morally grey characters make it a read that I'm sure will appeal to many。 However, the pacing is a little slow for my taste, and I'm having trouble getting into the story。 The writing is undoubtedly skilled, though, so I'll have to check out C。S。 Pacat's other works。 DNF @ 30% This book's interesting world and morally grey characters make it a read that I'm sure will appeal to many。 However, the pacing is a little slow for my taste, and I'm having trouble getting into the story。 The writing is undoubtedly skilled, though, so I'll have to check out C。S。 Pacat's other works。 。。。more

Abby Shillingburg

Won an ARC of this and now I have a plot twist bruise, a book hangover, and a new ship。

Samantha Fraenkel

This had some major Lord of the Ring vibes and I am here for it! Fast paced and great world building, this kept me on my toes and featured some really interesting characters and a story I became very invested in。 I haven't read a lot of fantasy novels this year but this might have kicked me out of my fantasy slump because my goodness I tore through this。 Can't wait for book 2!ARC Provided by Edelweiss This had some major Lord of the Ring vibes and I am here for it! Fast paced and great world building, this kept me on my toes and featured some really interesting characters and a story I became very invested in。 I haven't read a lot of fantasy novels this year but this might have kicked me out of my fantasy slump because my goodness I tore through this。 Can't wait for book 2!ARC Provided by Edelweiss 。。。more

fati

is the villain the love interest is the villain the love interest please let the villain be the love interest

Charlie Clarke

I'm sorry, I wanted to enjoy this but I just didn't。 A lot of the drama felt a bit pointless。 You think the story is going to progress, but then something bad happens and now the characters have annother problem to deal with。Around page 300 I finally felt somewhat invested。。。but then 30 pages later it felt like it should have ended already。 Then the last 30 odd pages got interesting again。 Okay, yes, I admit it: I enjoyed the last 30 or so pages。 Once that stuff started happening, I was like "ho I'm sorry, I wanted to enjoy this but I just didn't。 A lot of the drama felt a bit pointless。 You think the story is going to progress, but then something bad happens and now the characters have annother problem to deal with。Around page 300 I finally felt somewhat invested。。。but then 30 pages later it felt like it should have ended already。 Then the last 30 odd pages got interesting again。 Okay, yes, I admit it: I enjoyed the last 30 or so pages。 Once that stuff started happening, I was like "hot damn this has gotten good!" BUT those 30 odd pages did not make up for 420 pages of。。。light fantasy boring clichéd soap opera?I guess teen readers might enjoy this。 People who enjoyed the Authors' first series might enjoy more work from her。 And the ending was honest to God, really quite good。 There will be people who read the book and geek out over the ending。 I enjoyed it。 Yes, its true, the ending = good! But for me, it should have been a much, MUCH, shorter book for the whole thing to be good。 。。。more

Stacey-Lea

Fans of the A Darker Shade of Magic series your new fave is waiting for you! For the most part I absolutely loved this one。 It pulls you in with a unique magic system layered over your usual fantasy tropes: good versus evil/dark versus light, orphaned boy with power, found family, you’re starting to get the idea, right? Anyway, loved the old magic aspect and the concept of Dark Kings and Shadow Kings, corrupted magic, all of it, it’s really well done。 And then within this world we also have the Fans of the A Darker Shade of Magic series your new fave is waiting for you! For the most part I absolutely loved this one。 It pulls you in with a unique magic system layered over your usual fantasy tropes: good versus evil/dark versus light, orphaned boy with power, found family, you’re starting to get the idea, right? Anyway, loved the old magic aspect and the concept of Dark Kings and Shadow Kings, corrupted magic, all of it, it’s really well done。 And then within this world we also have the flawed, yet likeable, grey characters (do you see why I’m calling to the Schwab fans here?)。 But what really got me with the pacing is when I thought barely any time had passed and the characters causally drop that it’s been three months。 I didn’t understand the passage of time in this and couldn’t tell you how long there is between events。 It seemed a lot of moments maybe happened off page or I maybe I was just missing something。 Truthfully, I think this story could have been in one book that was just a little bit longer and it wouldn’t have bothered me。 I felt like we got a lot in this book so colour me surprised when I was nearing the end thinking that was going to be it, only to realise there was more, so I then think okay so a duology。。。 only to see it’s up as a trilogy。 I’m not sure where the story is going but I’m sure it’ll be interesting and a little bit heart wrenching。 There’s definitely enough intrigue from that ending to keep me invested。 I’m only a little mad I’ll probably have to wait at least year to find out what happens next with these characters。ARC provided by the publishers through Edelweiss for an honest review 。。。more

Zoe Stewart (Zoe's All Booked)

Shut up and take my money

Shubhangi Ojha

yeeee-hah!!!!Who's jumping on the bed with excitement huh? yeeee-hah!!!!Who's jumping on the bed with excitement huh? 。。。more

˗ˏˋ eg ˎˊ˗

C。S。 Pacat I owe you my lifeRTC

talia ♡

i am not being even a little bit dramatic when i say i need this book more than i need air right now。

Elizabeth

Oh, C。S。 Pacat。 Your ability to end books at the most painfully tense moments will be the death of me。 Waiting for the next book in this series hurts。

Kristel (hungryandhappy)

I loved it and it blew my mind because I had theories and they were almost all wrong。 I kept changing theories because I wanted to be right and I ended up not knowing a thing about anything but loving everything that was going on。 The writing style is captivating, the characters, both with their POV and without, were deep and you just wanted to know more about them and cheer for them。 I knew little to nothing before reading it, and not knowing kept me on edge until that mind blowing ending。 I ha I loved it and it blew my mind because I had theories and they were almost all wrong。 I kept changing theories because I wanted to be right and I ended up not knowing a thing about anything but loving everything that was going on。 The writing style is captivating, the characters, both with their POV and without, were deep and you just wanted to know more about them and cheer for them。 I knew little to nothing before reading it, and not knowing kept me on edge until that mind blowing ending。 I had a very lengthy discussion with a friend who read the arc as well, and we had different opinions, all good, but different。 I sense tragedy incoming。 After what I read and all the emotions I felt, I don't want to have my hoped high in case everything will come crushing down。 Because it will。 it Will!I think I will think about it some more because my mind is still fresh and keeps thinking about all the possibilities so I can't truly write a review。 But I loved it, it has all the potential and I need the sequel right now! 。。。more

Lu

First of all, I wanted to thank the publisher and Edelweiss, for the chance to read and review this book in exchange of an honest review。Dark Rise is the first book of the new epic fantasy series by C。S。 Pacat and it was one of my most anticipated read in 2021。 I loved reading Captive Prince and Fence and I was so happy when the publisher sent me the earc!Once upon a time there was an ancient and magical world, but not its heroes are dead, the great battles between Light and Dark are forgotten a First of all, I wanted to thank the publisher and Edelweiss, for the chance to read and review this book in exchange of an honest review。Dark Rise is the first book of the new epic fantasy series by C。S。 Pacat and it was one of my most anticipated read in 2021。 I loved reading Captive Prince and Fence and I was so happy when the publisher sent me the earc!Once upon a time there was an ancient and magical world, but not its heroes are dead, the great battles between Light and Dark are forgotten and only the Stewards remember the ancient time, protecting their memories, keeping their vigil and swearing to protect humanity if the Dark King ever returns。 In London, Will Kempen is sixteen years old, he's on the run and he's escaping the men who killed his mother, without knowing why and who are they, when an old servant finds him and tells him his destiny is to find the Stewards and fight beside them。 Finding himself involved in a battle against Light and Dark, magic and power, with a peculiar ally in the almost stranger Violet, Will has to train and play the role of the Chosen One against villains, violence and death。In a complex world made of reborn heroes and villains, past and present intertwined, magic and pawns, Will and Violet are the main characters in a fight between light and darkness, for themselves, their world and future, between love and hate, destiny and reality。I loved reading Dark Rise! The worldbuilding is fascinating and complex, set in the Victorian London mixing knights, magic, powers, loves, deaths, allies and enemies, in a battle between light and darkness, good and bad。 The Hall, the Stewards, the magic。。。everything was so intriguing and captivating, the plot full of twists, characters and amazing descriptions it felt like I was there with them。The story is told by Will and Violet's POVs and they are wonderfully complex characters, in their intricacies, with their traumas, doubts, fears and desires。 Both of them find themselves in a strange and ancient world, in a battle fought in the past and that still threatens their future and everything they love。 Will and Violet find each other by chance, fitting right away allies and then as friends, helping and supporting each other in a beautiful relationship, supporting one other in their battles, intrigues and discoveries。One thing I noticed is how every character fits the role in the epic fantasy。 The Chosen one, the villain, the helper, the love, the interest, some right away, others struggling with it and I loved them all。 Even though we just get few glimpses of James, his character is complex and intriguing and I loved how he and Will face each other, feeling attraction, desire and curiosity, in their roles and fight of light and darkness。At first I didn't like how they fit their roles, because I was scared they would have been to stereotypical, but I was impressed by how wrong I was。 Nothing is how it appears at first glance, nothing is fixed and the story and its characters are evolving, changing, twisting, with new secrets, plot twists and so many surprises I was left breahtless。 Nothing is like it appears and I had so many theories, some good, some outlandish and the story is incredible, because it keeps me on my toes。The pacing is good and it feels like it's the first book, since the author is laying down the beginning of the story, with the history and descriptions, so some part appears more slower than the others, but in the end the book is brilliant, captivating and I can't wait to know more。I totally recommend this book! It's impossible not to love and cheer on Will and Violet, to be intrigued by James and their fight, to be fascinated by the ancient world and magic! 。。。more

Shelf Blame

C。S。 Pacat is an absolute icon and while I was worried that this YA book would pale in comparison to Captive Prince, turns out I needn't have worried。Pacat does what they do best in this book, which is painting a picture。 The imagery is absolutely stunning and weaves so well into the world-building。 The entire premise of dark vs。 light isn't one we haven't seen。 In fact, we've seen it so much it's an old concept at this point。 But Pacat takes the chosen one trope, the savior trope, and completel C。S。 Pacat is an absolute icon and while I was worried that this YA book would pale in comparison to Captive Prince, turns out I needn't have worried。Pacat does what they do best in this book, which is painting a picture。 The imagery is absolutely stunning and weaves so well into the world-building。 The entire premise of dark vs。 light isn't one we haven't seen。 In fact, we've seen it so much it's an old concept at this point。 But Pacat takes the chosen one trope, the savior trope, and completely turns it on its head。 She gives us a pale boy with a tumble of dark hair and a bruised heart, a girl who's stronger than anyone else and who's determined to fight, another boy who has been used so much that it follows him across time and space。 Plus, a number of other characters who are all important to the story。 No one is annoying or out of place and every single one matters。 If you're a fan of Pacat's other works, then you know this author loves a slow burn。 This is a queer book, but there's very little on-page romance to be seen。 Instead, we're taken on the journey through looks and touches and the feel of skin and the brush of a breath against a cheek。 The tension built is absolutely gorgeous, and yet there's something not quite visible slowly moving underneath it all。 You know it's there, but you can't quite grasp what it is until you do。 The pace is perfect, the story is exciting, and I wasn't bored one single second of this entire 464-page book。 It's dark and twisty and surprising in the best way。 I'm absolutely dying for book 2 already, and I don't know how I'll survive the wait!I received this book in exchange for an honest review 。。。more

Bunderlai

***Received an arc through NetGalley***Pacat's new series starts with a classic, high fantasy tale of good vs。 evil, starring Will, who is determined to avenge his mother's death, but finds himself pulled into the heart of an ancient battle for the fate of the world。 The novel maintains the same lush attention to detail as Pacat's adult works, and I enjoyed every moment reading this book。 I loved the complex and varied characters, and was deeply engrossed in the action sequences。 The novel ends ***Received an arc through NetGalley***Pacat's new series starts with a classic, high fantasy tale of good vs。 evil, starring Will, who is determined to avenge his mother's death, but finds himself pulled into the heart of an ancient battle for the fate of the world。 The novel maintains the same lush attention to detail as Pacat's adult works, and I enjoyed every moment reading this book。 I loved the complex and varied characters, and was deeply engrossed in the action sequences。 The novel ends with enough questions unanswered and hints about what might happen next that I'm already longing for the sequel。 Content warnings include: parental death, on-screen violence and death, discussions of past sexual encounters with dubious or no consent, and physical descriptions of characters experiencing anxiety。 。。。more